Phil Hartman

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Phil Hartman was born Philip Edward Hartmann on September 24, 1948, in Brantford, Ontario, the fourth of eight children. His family moved to the United States when he was ten, living first in Lewiston, Maine, then Meriden, Connecticut, and eventually Los Angeles, where he attended Westchester High School. After studying at Santa Monica City College and dropping out in 1969 to be a roadie, he returned to school in 1972 to study graphic arts at California State University, Northridge. He ran his own graphic art business, creating over 40 album covers for bands including Poco and America, plus the logo for Crosby, Stills & Nash. In 1975, he joined the Groundlings, where he befriended Paul Reubens and together they created the character Pee-wee Herman. Hartman co-wrote the script for *Pee-wee's Big Adventure* (1985) and played Captain Carl on *Pee-wee's Playhouse*. He joined *Saturday Night Live* in its 12th season, starting October 11, 1986, and stayed eight seasons. Nicknamed 'Glue'—coined by Jan Hooks according to Mike Thomas's biography—he was known for impressions including Bill Clinton, Frank Sinatra, Ronald Reagan, and Ed McMahon. He won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program in 1989. After leaving SNL in 1994, he starred as Bill McNeal on *NewsRadio* starting in 1995. He voiced Lionel Hutz and Troy McClure on *The Simpsons* and appeared in films *Houseguest* (1995), *Sgt. Bilko* (1996), *Jingle All the Way* (1996), and *Small Soldiers* (1998). Hartman married Brynn Omdahl in 1987; they had two children. Their marriage was troubled due to his busy work schedule and her substance abuse and domestic violence. On May 28, 1998, while Phil was sleeping, Brynn shot and killed him, then killed herself. He was posthumously inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in 2012 and the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2014.

Reader's Guide

Phil Hartman's significance comes from his versatile comedic talent and his role as a stabilizing force on *Saturday Night Live* during a period of cast turnover. His nickname 'Glue'—coined by Jan Hooks—reflected his ability to support other cast members and hold sketches together. SNL creator Lorne Michaels said, 'He kind of held the show together. He gave to everybody and demanded very little.' His impressions, particularly of Bill Clinton, became cultural touchstones; Clinton himself sent Hartman a signed photo reading, 'You're not the president, but you play one on TV. And you're OK, mostly.' Hartman's work on *The Simpsons* created enduring characters like Lionel Hutz and Troy McClure, and his lead role as Bill McNeal on *NewsRadio* showcased his sitcom skills. His legacy is also marked by the tragic circumstances of his death, which cut short a career spanning television, film, and voice acting. Posthumous honors include inductions into Canada's Walk of Fame in 2012 and the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2014.

Did You Know?

• Hartman designed album covers for bands including Poco and America, and created the logo for Crosby, Stills & Nash.
• His nickname 'Glue' was coined by fellow SNL cast member Jan Hooks, according to Mike Thomas's biography.
• Hartman first performed his Bill Clinton impression on *The Tonight Show*; Clinton later sent him a signed photo with a playful message.
• He won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program for SNL in 1989.
• Hartman was posthumously inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in 2012 and the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2014.